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 Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:20 am
This sparked my interest from a debate i was having on M+R. I want to know what everyone thinks about those who convert. Those who leave, and those who join. What is your take on this? I have herd that its outrageous to think of it, if not actually leaving ones faith to pursue another. I find that a little interesting seeing as there are so many belief systems and religions out there, why would anyone want to push someone to stay? That just makes them want to leave and seek out more. Which i find to be healthy and can show a very spiritual path ahead. If not strengthen one's faith for questioning it and finding answers.
Your take?
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 6:33 am
Conversion is an odd thing that happens because of the establishment of what is fundamentally personal into something that is public. A person's belief system is fundamentally personal (this aspect we've come to call 'spirituality') and when you try and institutionalize that to incorporate more people and a larger public aspect (what we've come to call 'religion') you get a disjunction. Spiritually, a person doesn't really convert... they progress and evolve. We all do. It just so happens that sometimes the direction a person evolves spiritually suddenly no longer fits within the established framework of what they call their religion. Then they hop off that wagon and onto another that fits better. But I dunno - this is speculation which probably does not hold true for each case.
At any rate, I don't have any ill-will towards those who convert in of itself. Those who do so for the wrong reasons... I worry for them.
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:21 am
Starlock Conversion is an odd thing that happens because of the establishment of what is fundamentally personal into something that is public. A person's belief system is fundamentally personal (this aspect we've come to call 'spirituality') and when you try and institutionalize that to incorporate more people and a larger public aspect (what we've come to call 'religion') you get a disjunction. Spiritually, a person doesn't really convert... they progress and evolve. We all do. It just so happens that sometimes the direction a person evolves spiritually suddenly no longer fits within the established framework of what they call their religion. Then they hop off that wagon and onto another that fits better. But I dunno - this is speculation which probably does not hold true for each case. At any rate, I don't have any ill-will towards those who convert in of itself. Those who do so for the wrong reasons... I worry for them. you and i share similar opinion. I would rather someone be happy and close to what the spiritually believe then be forced to believe something that they don't. I too worry for those who do it for the wrong reasons but those people are along starting a path, eventually they will find what it is they are looking for, and i think it all starts with curiosity. but i would never hold it against someone if they left one said religion for another.
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Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:56 am
I feel that those who convert to other religions, regardless of the reasons, should make sure they are not only comfortable with what they are about to do, but are also well-informed about the faith they want to get into. For me, converting is a majur turning point in life, like marriage. I myself converted from Roman Catholicism to Kemetic Orthodoxy, but it took almost a full year of research and study before I finally decided to leave my old faith behind and take up becomming a Shemsu with the Kemetic Orthodoxy. But I agree with Starlock. It is spiritual evolution, as well as a learning process, learning who you truly are deep down in your soul.
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:19 pm
I personally think that the person should be able to do whatever they want. If they were Catholic then found it doesn't work for them, they should be able to become whatever they feel comfortable with. If you are doing the rituals and rites of your religion out of a sense of duty, you shouldn't be doing them. You should feel happy to do them, look forward to doing them. Faith should be something that makes you happy and excited, not downtrodden and depressed.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:59 am
This is a very interesting topic, because I'm currently researching developmental psychology. Most people grow up a part of their parent's religions. Converting to another religion typically either doesn't happen, or happens a few years after the individual has moved out from their parent's house.
Although, people who do convert earlier come from homes or societies that encourage atheism or diversity between religions. Unfortunately, most societies look down upon minorities in religion, as well as the uncommon act of changing your beliefs to fit your personal being.
As Euphoric said, I believe a person should rejoice in what they do, and believe with all their heart that what they are doing is right. As for me, I have a sort of mix of religions. I believe in some things, but don't go into a certain religion because I don't believe in others. And, as I grow I have no doubt that the possibility of my beliefs changing is there.
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Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:20 pm
I have an interesting personal relationship with conversion.
You see, I don't 'convert' in the standard sense. Instead, I accept the influence and truth that a certain belief system holds for me. I don't change over from one belief system to another, I just acknowledge the influence of each, learn something from each, and collect bits and pieces of my spirituality Katamari-style.
I suppose this is why I formally call my belief system 'Unitarian Universalism'.
Informally, I call it 'Borscht'.
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:38 pm
Starlock Conversion is an odd thing that happens because of the establishment of what is fundamentally personal into something that is public. A person's belief system is fundamentally personal (this aspect we've come to call 'spirituality') and when you try and institutionalize that to incorporate more people and a larger public aspect (what we've come to call 'religion') you get a disjunction. Spiritually, a person doesn't really convert... they progress and evolve. We all do. It just so happens that sometimes the direction a person evolves spiritually suddenly no longer fits within the established framework of what they call their religion. Then they hop off that wagon and onto another that fits better. But I dunno - this is speculation which probably does not hold true for each case. At any rate, I don't have any ill-will towards those who convert in of itself. Those who do so for the wrong reasons... I worry for them.I agree with that last statement enough to comment it. I hate when people convert just because they have friends that are x religion, or are in a relationship and they want to please their partner. Im a Christian, my fiancee is Agnostic, and i would never push him to Christianity over another - religion is personal =/
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Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:33 am
I used to be Catholic before I switched to Buddhism. However, I converted for the right reason. I am dismayed when people switch to a different religion for wrong reasons such as mere disillusionment or petty rebellion towards society. Why I converted? Because I like Buddhism and I seek personal spiritual development.
So if any of you are considering conversion, please think carefully.
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